The Quebec parole board has ruled that a young Montérégie man who caused nearly $10 million in damage by setting fire to a Walmart store in Vaudreuil-Dorion cannot be released after a third of his sentence.
“Despite the progress observed since your imprisonment, the Commission considers that the risk you pose to the public remains unacceptable at this stage,” the organization ruled a few days ago.
Luciano Minisini Burke, 19, had hoped to be sent to a halfway house after he was sentenced to 15 months in prison for a February 2024 arson incident last spring.
Two fires in two months
That day, a young man showed up at Walmart in Vaudreuil-Dorion. While in the alley, he started a fire. And instead of running, he stayed there, pretending to be a fireman. He then tried to put out the fire with his employees.
“You say that the sight of a fire can have a calming effect, and your participation in trying to put it out gave you a sense of power,” the Commission explains.
Minisini Burke left the scene but returned several hours later. He was then arrested by police who had access to surveillance cameras. Investigators then linked this to another fire that occurred two months earlier that completely destroyed the house.
There he also stayed put, pretending to be a volunteer firefighter.
In the case of the Walmart fire, damages were estimated at nearly $10 million, in addition to the fact that the store was closed “for an indefinite period” at the time. Almost three months later, it reopened.
Fascination with fire
According to a psychiatrist, Minisini Burke had a “pronounced fascination with fire and a significant interest in emergency professions,” including firefighting. Mental health problems were also identified, so much so that the young man was prescribed medication.
This helped him, so his detention went smoothly, and Minisini Burke even enjoyed therapy sessions with pets.
But, despite the obvious progress, it was still too early for him to leave the prison walls and live in a shelter.
“Due to their destructive nature, the fires you caused resulted in significant material damage,” the commission noted. Additionally, your actions have definitely caused fear and confusion. […]. Your actions have also damaged the public's sense of security. »
Minisini Burke will therefore remain in custody. However, he may request a review of the decision, which may take several weeks.
